Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-11-22
LONG AGO.
Preparations That are Made for
the Judgment Day at the End
Of the Year 1000.

i
the artisans in the towns could not
be induced to 60 about their daily
tasks with any regularity (notwith-
standing that their daily bread de-
pended upon iD, for thinking the
outbreak Of Divine wrath which was
about 10 take place. There were
some wise and sober men, even in
that darkest age of ignorance, who
endeavor TO persuade the people that
thoir alarm was without reason or
foundation, and even IL this had been
otherwise, that 1t would still benefit
them to 20 about the duties of life
with diligence and faithfulness, as
unto God-that should he come, as
they expected, might find them
watching. The terrified and con-
science stricken men paid no heed to
remonstrsnces like these, but gath
cred eagerly around fanatic monks
or half-crazed pilgrims, who poured
into their ears their tale of horrors,
ever growing more wild and terri
BILE as the last week of the year 1000
went by.
When the last day OF that week
dawned, the madness had attained
its height. All work, of whatever
kind, was suspended. The market
places were deserted the shops were
shut the tables were not spread for
meals tho very household fires were
not kindlsd. Men, when they met in
the streets, scarcely saw or spoke to
one another. Their eyes had a wild
stare in them, as though they expect
ed every moment some terrible man
Hesitation TO take place. A strange
unnatural silence prevailed every
where, except In the churches which
were already thronged with devotees,
who prostrated themselves before the
shrines of their favorite saints, i'm
ploring their protection during the
fearful scenes which were on the
point OF being displayed. As the
day wore on, the number Of those
who sought admission grew greater
aud greater, until every corner of
the sacred edifices, large as these
we're, was denssly crowded, and it
became impossible to find room for
more. But the multitude outside
still strove and clamored for admis-
sion, filling the porches and doorways
and climbing up the buttresses to
find refuge on the roofs, which
they could not obtain inside. It was
generally believed that the expected
loosening Of Satan would take place
at some time or other before the
night was ended, but at what precise
moment no one could say. A strange
aud solemn commentary ON the text,
which bids men to watch because
"they know not whether the master
of the house will come at seven, or
at cock Growing, or in the morning."
was presented by the multitudes
which filled the churches that night.
Watch in very truth they did. Not
an eye was closed throughout that
long vigil not a knee but was bent
in bumblest supplication ; not voice
but Joined the penitential chant or
put up fervent entreaty for help
and protection. There were no clocks
in these DAYS; but the flight of hours
was marked by great waxen tapers
with metal balls attached 10 them.
These fell one after another, as the
flames reached tho strings by which
they were secured, into brazen
basin beneath, with clang which
resounded through the church.
At the recurrence of those warning
sounds the awe of the vast assembly
seemed to deepen and intensity, as
each realized the terrible fact that
between him and the outburst of Di-
vine wrath only the briefest interval
could now remain.
At last the night, long as 1t was,
began TO draw to an end. The chill
which precedeS daylight prevaded
air, and in the eastern sky the first
pale CLEAN of morning began to show
itself. This must be the signal for
the long pent-up anger of Heaven TO
show itself. Satan was even now be-
ing loosed from his bondage.
But no the light grew stronger in
the heavens, and the flames of the
candles paled before IL, and at last the
rays Of the risen sun stream through
the windows, aud fell on the white
and anxious faces of the watchers.
The night had passed away. A new
day, new year, new century had
begun. The terror which possessed
their souls was, after all, God be
thankful for IL. n delusiOn